Mercier Beaucoup

Laura Mercier is a high end make-up brand designed to enhance a woman's natural beauty.  Unlike many brands that I have tried, these concealers and foundations go on smoothly and blend perfectly into the skin. They are lightweight so you will never have that caked-on look.  I updated my look today at Saks by purchasing some new face products.  Total splurge but a woman named Santee did my make-up and the difference before and after was astonishing.  If you do nothing else, at least check out their tinted face moisturizer.  It evens the skin tone for a flawless look.  Also, when you buy products, you get a free gift!

Tocca Da Town

Tocca is cosmetics/ fragrance brand that also happens to make wonderful dresses.  I dug one of my dresses out of the closet that I haven't worn in a few years.  Then, I spritzed on Colette, a light, summery scent.  I flounced around the city and enjoyed compliments from adoring fans.  I love this brand so much that I joined their e-mail list.  If you live in the NYC area, their sample sales are not to be missed!

The Adult Sippy Cup

I'm tired of paying upwards of $3.00 for mediocre iced coffee.  I'm annoyed that my iced coffee cup sweats, which forces me to swaddle it in napkins.  I'm envious of my coworkers who have already discovered a better way: SIPPY CUPS.

Okay, they are actually re-usable plastic cups with straws.  They look disposable, but they are double insulated to keep the cold in and the sweat under wraps.  I purchased one today at Home Goods for $3.99, but they are sold at many places, such as Amazon.com and Target.  Now, I can make my own iced coffee and take it to go in this great re-usable cup.  I know all the stroller kids are jealous.

Bend, and Snap!

Ice Ice Baby its HOT outside.  Don't have an ice-maker?  If you are like me, you hate the standard issue plastic ice tray.  Getting the ice cubes out is a pain.  You bang the plastic on the side of a counter, all the ice goes flying, and voila, your ice gets a hint of "kitchen floor" (not my flavor of choice).

Well, the bend and snap is great for more than just picking up men (thanks Elle Woods).  With the Quick Snap Ice Cube Tray from Bed Bath and Beyond, ice cubes are a snap!  Simply fill the tray with filtered water and freeze.  Then, after the ice is frozen, bend (twist) the flexible rubber tray to loosen the cubes.  Each ice cube has a latch underneath it.  Press the latch open and the ice cube is released!

 Pop. Unlock. Enjoy.

You're So Stylus

I had a mouse problem.  Not rodents, but a clicky outdated contraption that limited my range of motion.  Computer mouses are a thing of the past.  Get stylish with a Stylus.  It looks like a pen and a tablet.  It feels like gliding on air.  You can draw and click with ease and you'll look cool doing it.  I got a Wacom tablet and I love it.

Making Clingy Cool

Moving? Don't want sticky tape residue on your belongings? Get stretch wrap on a roll.   Clingy is finally a good thing! Have fun wrapping your belongings in this fun plastic.  Staples store has it but not Staples.com

Rubber Dub Dub

Oh how I love my silicone watchband.  Durability and water resistance. This watch is built to last.  Mine is by Michele.  Got it on sale last year at Saks.

 I've seen silicone watches everywhere, from the slap bracelet variety to slip on.  Lightweight, comfy and so chic.

I also was given one as a gift from Bendels by TKO.  Super cute since you can change the band colors to mix and match.

Let My People Go

 Free People is a brand that has evolved over the years to invoke stylish, effortless glam chic wonderment.  The way that they photograph the clothes: from models to backgrounds to color, every detail enhances the overall allure of this amazing brand.  It is my favorite mail order catalog that I receive, bar none.  You can sign up for it online.   They even have a BLOG.

Fringe Benefits

DIY- get inspired by designer fringe pieces, and take a scissors to your fave shrunken or oversized cotton tee.  Cut strips in a straight line to create your own custom look without spending any money.  Plus, the fringe will feel great in the summer breeze. 

Shoedazzle- personalized recommendations for $39.95

My stylish and price savvy co-worker told me about Shoedazzle: an online shoe and accessory site with a twist.  Celebrity stylists pick the merchandise on this site.  You create a profile by answering questions about your personal style.  Prepare to then be dazzled: the site creates your own personal showroom with recommendations of cute styles to buy.  Everything on the site is only $39.95 (including shoes, bags and jewelry).  Click this link to see the "How it Works" video:

This is a fun site to play on for anyone who loves to buy shoes, save money, and open pretty pink packages.

Hey Nordstroms: Happy Anniversary!

The time has come to shop for Fall?!  It is 100 degrees in the shade and I'm sweating to death.  The idea of wool or fleece makes me shudder.   BUT, the early bird gets the worm at the annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  This is the only sale I know of where the BRAND NEW merchandise GOES ON SALE when it is first released on the floor.   Shop before August 1 to take advantage of these sale prices before they adjust to normal.  Nordstrom's return policy is second to none, so if you are unhappy with your purchase, you can return it without penalty at your convenience.

Check out the catalog to get a peek at what is hitting the floor, and if you see something you like, grab it now, as sizes will sell out quickly.  Every single department of the store has select sale merchandise, so whether you are in the market for bags, shoes, clothes or beauty products, they've got it covered.  Plus, you can see the hottest trends for the season, such as oversized tops, houndstooth print, and capes.

My obsession of this sale is the Luxury Rebel Brady Boot: for the girl who likes options.  There are two layers of boot, so you can unsnap the outer layer, fold it down and shape it as you please, and it has a chunky heel so it is comfortable to boot.  What will you buy?

Hub Dog = my new favorite pet

Why do computers only come with three USB ports?  Once you hook up the mouse and the keyboard, that leaves only one precious port left for: iphone, camera, printer & stylus.  Well, who needs Lassie to save the day when you can have a Hub Dog?  This adorable dog-shaped USB port hub is quirky, cute, cheap and so so useful.  Go fetch one for yourself at Fredflare.com.

Summer of SHORTS

I'm not quite sure when I became trendy, but last night at my sorority family reunion, I was in the SHORTS majority.  Yes ladies, wearing SHORTS out to bars has to be the most amazing idea ever.  This summer is too hot and humid for pants of any kind, and while dresses are easy and breezy, they are not so much fun in the rain. Theory had seriously awesome options to choose from.  Pair them with heels to look extra leggy.

Here are some outfit inspiration ideas.  Get your shorts on.

A Slice of PiperLIME

Piperlime: One little word, so many possibilities.  This online shopping site is a hub of amazing shoe designs. They also have wonderful clothing items and accessories.  You can sort by price, by trend, by fit, or even by Celeb Stylist Rachel Zoe's fave pics.

I went to the Piperlime pop up shop last Sept. during the NYC fashion's night out.  They gave out zingy postcards with fun sayings such as "Every Time You Wear  Sweatpants in Public, a Single Guy Leaves New York". Another fave quote was "Every Day is a 'Wear An Outfit That Will Make Your Ex Eat His Heart Out' Day".

The philosophy behind Piperlime.com is "Let's Get Dressed".  Putting a little bit more effort into your look, via a stylish necklace or a cute scarf, can be inexpensive and can yield great results.  It's amazing what a little revamp can do for your self esteem, too.
 
I have purchased many shoes on Piperlime and their customer service is fabulous.  Plus, every time you open a box, the inside is decorated with their cute lime print :) They also have an exclusive brand: Hive and Honey that I adore because they have stylish designs at inexpensive prices, such as these awesome shoes:

What are you waiting for? Get shopping.